Looking for an easy way to detoxify and energize? Dry Scrubbing is an easy technique that you can do every day before you take a shower – it takes less than 5 minutes.
Why should you do this? First, our skin is our largest organ and is an important part of our immune system AND when you stimulate the skin, you stimulate the brain! The skin is important in our circulation, lymphatic flow, exfoliating dead skin tissue, general energy and some people even report improvement of cellulite.
Dry Scrubbing is a very easy 3 step technique.
Step 1:
Open the “Main Drain” from near the clavicles. To do this, position your middle three finger tips in the space above the clavicle (collar bone) with the ring finger at the rounded end part of the clavicle (near the top of the sternum). Gently stretch the skin (like you are stretching only the top layer of skin – this is a very light touch) towards the middle of the body. Stretch for 3 seconds and relax for 3 seconds. Repeat for 10 repetitions. It is important to stretch just as much as it is to relax for 3 sec to allow the lymph vessels to refill. This part you can do throughout the day as frequently you want.
This is called the main drain as this is the area where the lymphatic system dumps into the venous system for detoxification. By stimulating this area, it stimulates the drainage and creates a vacuum pulling the lymph (and therefore the immune system) towards the main drain. This can be a great stand alone technique to do throughout the day.
Step 2 – Mix equal parts of baking soda and sea salt
Step 3 – Put part of the mixture on a dry cloth (or you can use a luffah or a stiff brush with or without the mixture). Holding the cloth, stroke the mixture on your body in steady, firm strokes. Stroke starting at your upper arms and then forearms, sides of the trunk, back (use your hands only – no salt- for the breast area), abdomen, buttocks and low back, upper legs and then lower legs. Then reverse the direction (lower legs, upper legs etc).
Each stroke should be directed towards your heart (as in the diagram) EXCEPT the abdominal area below the ribs gets directed towards the groin. The upper and lower legs get directed towards the groin area. This direction helps to direct the lymphatic flow. The stroke itself should be firm, but not irritating. Do not stroke over any areas that are open or irritated.
If you have had any lymph node removal, it would be best to see a medical professional who specializes in lymphatic work, as your lymph flow will need to be evaluated and the direction of flow may not follow these typical directions. Do not use this in cases of infection, fever, congestive heart failure or any condition that would prohibit an increase in lymphatic flow into your venous vascular system.
Please see my diagram on dry scrubbing on my website www.UnlimitedPotentials.com under the article section where you can also download this article. If you want to get an individualized self-help session, make an appointment with Sue by calling 508.982.1100 or emailing at suecotta@gmail.com.